Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Team Up With Your Competitors

Pay per click search engines are a great way to get targeted traffic quickly. The only problem is that as the search terms get more popular, the price of each click through rises. It is very sad to watch your top ranking fall off the first page into obscurity as the cost per click rises out of your budget. One way to get around this is to team up with a few of the "competitors" you find bidding. . .

Ten Tips for Getting More Sales From Your Website

(1) Create a Direct Response Website, with the minimum number of pages possible (e.g. an Index Page, a Contact Page, and an Order Page). (2) Make sure your sales copy is positive and inspiring - people buy things because they want to improve their lives. (3) Identify a problem and show people how and why your product or service solves the problem. (4) Keep your paragraphs short - no more tha. . .

Word of Mouth Marketing

'Word of Mouth' is still one of the most effective marketing techniques, online or offline. Joe arrives at your website and he likes it. In fact, he'd like to tell Fred about it. It's just the thing Fred's been looking for. What if Joe could recommend your website to Fred by sending him an email straight from your website? Well, he can...if you have an 'email to a friend' script installed on yo. . .

7 Simple Ways To Boost Your E-Book Sales

You can often dramatically increase your E-Book sales by making a few minor adjustments to your sales page. Here are 7 ways to increase your E-Book sales: (1) Make sure your 'Order' link appears at least 3 times on your sales page. (2) If your link currently says 'Order!', change it to 'Order via Secure SSL Server' (if that is the case). I made this change about a month ago, and I noticed an im. . .

My First Year In Cyber Space

My first year as a Cyberpreneur was a steeplearning-curve. I was an Anthropologist beforestarting an online business, so I had a lot to learn.But even if you were in offline-business before goingonline, you may still have to learn some new skills -online business is a whole new ball-game. Here aresome of the things I learnt in my first year in CyberSpace: (1) Be careful who you register your do. . .

Why Aren't They Buying?

You've polished your sales page over and over again until it's gleaming with benefits. You're getting plenty of traffic. And still - no sales. What's wrong? It could be the recession (although that's debatable). With thousands of people losing their jobs each week, consumer confidence (and therefore consumer spending) is down. But on the other hand, if thousands of people are losing their jobs,. . .

Your Own eBook in 7 Days

Review: How To Write and Publish Your Own eBook in as little as 7 DaysReviewed by Michael Southon How To Write and Publish Your Own eBook in as little as 7 Days by Jim Edwards and Joe Vitale exe format, 208 pages I was intrigued by the title of this book - writing an eBook in 7 days? But that's exactly what Jim Edwards and Joe Vitale show you how to do. However, your eBook doesn't have to be 10. . .

10 Tips For Ezine Publishers

1. Many Ezine Publishers use too many styles of separator in their Newsletter. I recently saw an Ezine that used no less than 7 different separators:re++++++------~~~~~~\\\\\\.....======******This confuses the reader and makes your Ezine difficult to read. Your Newsletter will look much smarter and be much easier to read if you use just one or two styles of separator.2. Always give an email add. . .

How To Create and Market Your own E-Book

The Internet presents an amazing opportunity for anyone who knows how to research and write.There's masses of free information on the Web - all you have to do is gather it together and package it, and you have an E-Book that people will pay for."But if there's so much free information on the Web, why would anyone pay for my E-Book?", you may be wondering.The answer? Convenience!They'd rather bu. . .

Are You Using The Four Letter Word?

The most powerful word in the marketing dictionary is made up of just four letters: F-R-E-E. It doesn't matter what kind of product or service you're promoting, if you can use the word FREE in your advertising and marketing, then your response rates will shoot up. People like FREE stuff. In fact, many people simply can't resist the word FREE! The problem is, you can't use the word FREE unless y. . .

7 Keys That Helped Me Leave the "Rat Race" for Cyberspace

On Friday, Aug. 28th, 1998, I finally achieved what I had dreamed about and worked toward for some time. No, cashing that week's paycheck wasn't what I had been keenly anticipating... Leaving a job I hated in order to work for myself full-time in cyberspace was the dream goal I had finally achieved! The goal of leaving the "rat race" and calling the shots in one's own profitable business - onli. . .

Webmaster or Web Slave? Time Saving Tips for Cyberpreneurs

Time is money in your online business, just as in the offline business world.Problem is, the typical Internet entrepreneur is in a race against time: Often snowed under with many things to do, trying to achieve maximum results (income) within the precious, very limited time available.Especially if you're holding down a full-time job while trying to launch or expand your Internet business in you. . .

Traits and Skills of Successful Internet Entrepreneurs

There are certain traits and skills that many successful online entrepreneurs have in common. Some mentioned in this article may seem simple, but don't overlook their importance.You may not personally be strong in all areas, but you can get by as long as you can delegate tasks that call for them to someone on your team that is. Good Communicator Whether you are communicating by email, your web . . .

Interviews with Well-Known Ezine Writers #3: - Shelley Lo...

MS: Shelley, you're an excellent person to talk to about Ezine Articles, because - as well as being a prolific Ezine Writer - you own and operate the largest article announcement lists on the Internet (www.web-source.net). How would you rate Ezine Articles as a promotion technique? SL: Writing Internet articles is one of the best promotional strategies used online. Not only will it provide y. . .

How Much Should You Pay for a Click

You have a web site ready for action. Your product catalog, order tracking, credit card payment system, and fulfillment process are all in place. Now all you need is traffic! Many web entrepreneurs have learned that the magic nut to crack is attraction: get a steady flow of customers who explore your site and eventually purchase goods. The overhead costs of most web businesses are minimal relat. . .

Interviews with Well-Known Ezine Writers #1: - Bob Leduc

MS: Bob, how important have Ezine Articles been in achieving your success in online business? BL: Very important! Most of what I learned 6 or 7 years ago about doing business on the Internet came from articles written by others already working online. Today, most of my new customers and clients are generated by the articles I write. MS: How long have you been writing Ezine Articles and what a. . .

Interviews with Well-Known Ezine Writers #2: - John Colanzi

MS: John, you must be one of the most prolific Ezine Writers on the Web - I see your articles nearly everyday in the article lists and in dozens of Newsletters. How long have you been writing Ezine Articles? JC: I first started writing ezine articles around 1999. MS: What are the main topics that you write about in your Ezine Articles? JC: I mainly write two types of articles, (i) Marketing . . .

Profit From The Author Inside You

Review: Profit From The Author Inside Youreviewed by Michael SouthonProfit From The Author Inside Youby Roger C. Parkerpdf format, 120 pages$37.00I've reviewed a number of eBooks recently, and none of them excited me, but this one definitely did. If you've ever had the slightest desire to write a 'How To' book, I urge you to read 'Profit From The Author Inside You'. It's worth pointing out rig. . .

Raising Capital in Today’s “New Economy”

We’ve helped a number of clients develop business plans and raise capital from “angel” investors, corporate entities and venture capitalists during the last 6-8 years. It’s always a daunting process that can be full of pitfalls and require a tremendous amount of work – but it can be done! Here is some perspective gleaned from years of experience. The most important. . .

Redefining Distance to Market your Company

The recent terrorist attacks here in the US have caused many companies and individuals to rethink how they want to market to and work with others. As a result, web-enabled presentations and or collaborations are finally coming of age – the technology works with a minimum of hassle, it’s an efficient way to give marketing presentations, hold meetings, provide training and do product . . .

Do You Have More Time Than Money

Do You Have More Free Time Than Money? Are You Determined to Make a Living from Home Working Online? Many of you are looking for free information.You want easy ways to learn how to begin an online business. You love searching online and are amazed by all the incredible free information out there. If other people claim to be doing so well, working from home, why can't I? This is the question. . .

Why the Internet is an Entrepreneurs' Dream

Not long ago, a vacation that entailed travelling across much of the U.S. helped me reflect a bit about my Internet business, and reminded me of the powerful advantages of doing business online. Let's consider just a few of them...1) Generate Multiple, Self-Sustaining Income StreamsThe Internet allows you to generate multiple streams of income that are more or less on autopilot; an advantage wh. . .

The Real Gold Is In the List

Are you a one shot, hit-and-run marketer, or do you appreciate that the real gold in business is in the list?Rather than focus on one-shot deals, savvy marketers realize the value of a good list, and seek ways to expand and derive more value from theirs.What kind of lists am I talking about? On the Internet, an opt-in list of customers, or others who've agreed to receive regular communications . . .

Opt-In Email Marketers: How to Deal With a Growth Pain of...

There are certain Internet business problems that have a positive side: They come as a by-product of growth and success.This article can help you cope with a very common growth pain: that of being swamped with email. Some of it junk, some of it helpful reading material, some of it important correspondence that you must reply to and/or file away for future reference. The email glut can cost you . . .

Why Aren't You Writing Ezine Articles?

I'm amazed! Everywhere I go on the Web, people are desperately searching for ways to get more traffic to their websites. Some will even pay hundreds of dollars foran Express Listing in Yahoo. And yet one of the most powerful ways of driving traffic to your website is completely free and anyone can do it. A few savvy webmasters have been using this techniquefor years to drive high-volume traffic. . .

What Your Website REALLY Says About You And Why It Matters

Everything you say and do says something about you. This has never been more true than in a text based environment like the Internet. You only have one chance to put across what you want to say. Use it wisely.Getting a website right does take work and commitment. If you want it to succeed you must spend time to get it right and present the right impression to your potential customers.During any. . .

Website Marketing Mistakes Smart People Make

You have invested your time and money into putting up your website. Your prospective customers are out there, somewhere, and you want to make them aware of your site, what you offer and why they would want to visit. You have some marketing ideas, but you don't want to waste money. How can you avoid mistakes other smart website owners make?By reading this article, of course. I'm going to outl. . .

6 Reasons Why A Website Is Crucial To Your Business

Since I'm a web designer, I have a tendency to think everyone understands that having a website is important. Every once in a while, I have to remind myself that some people just haven't heard yet!Why is having a website such a big deal? Here are 6 reasons: A website increases your credibility. Your website has a powerful impact on a potential customer's confidence in you. A professional desi. . .

You Can't Just Build A Website And Hope It Works!

Like any area of business your website needs some effort from you if its going to be successful. You'd be foolish to just build any old website and hope it works. Yet this approach, or rather lack of approach, is still widespread on the internet. Businesses still dont seem to understand what the internet can do to benefit them and their customers. They just dont get it.This is not a new critici. . .

12 Tips For Writing Winning E-mail

Learning to write more effective e-mail is a valuable skill when you are trying to build an online business. Here are a few tips to get you started. SUBJECT LINE Capitalize The First Letter of each word in your subject line NOT EVERY LETTER. writing in all lower case should also be avoided. You may be trying to make sure your e-mail gets read when using all caps, but it will be deleted most of . . .

How To Get Your Business Online

This article is for all those who have asked "how do I get my business online?" or have just plain been putting it off because you dont know where to start or who can help or how much it will cost.Why should I put my business online? Well, there are several reasons why you should. Firstly, its a great 'connection point' between you and your customers or partners. They can visit your website at . . .

How Your Business Can Win Online

There are lots of websites out there that do little to encourage their customers to stick around or buy their products from them. In this article i'm going to show you a typical example of where a small company has gone wrong with its website.Company X is a small family run roofing company. They repair, install and insulate roofs. They spend a lot of time and money advertising in the press and . . .

The Power of Personality

Owning an online business and publishing an ezine can be very frustrating, AND rewarding! There can be 100's or even 1000's of websites and/or ezines that are almost exactly like yours. What can you do to make your online business stand out from the rest? The number one answer to this question is - add your own personality to your business and in your ezine. I subscribe to probably over 100 ezi. . .

I Want to Do an Ezine! Part 1

I have been getting numerous emails lately from people who want to start publishing an ezine, but really don't know where to start. So, I am going to write this series of articles from start to finish in the hopes of helping some of my associates get started with their own ezine! Please feel free to email me if you have questions about anything stated in these articles. First of all, what. . .

I Want to Do an Ezine! Part 2

When starting your ezine, the first thing you want to do is name it. I would suggest keeping the name as close to your website/business name as possible. If you do not have a website or business yet, use a name you could name your business as well. For example: If you sell gifts/products for you & your home and your business name is Gifts Galore, you could then name your ezine "Gifts Galore New. . .

35 Tips for Online Success

1. Don't overload your site with flashing lights and slow loading graphics. Keep it simple and to the point. 2. Put a little of yourself into your site and make it unique. 3. Have your contact information listed on every page. 4. Make every page of your site consistent. You want your site to be easy to understand and navigate. 5. Provide a lot of useful content and resources. Don't just mak. . .

More Profits in Your Website Hosting Business

If you run a website hosting business, you already know the challenges in the business. Thousands of competitors are just a click away, ready to undercut your price. Potential customers see hosting as a commoditiy and shop by price. Several directories like Hostreview, Acehosts and Hostindex make it easy to comparison shop. How can you get more profits from your business under these conditi. . .

Five Great Ideas For Your Next Article

It's amazing how quickly free articles can generate traffic - my traffic sometimes triples within 24 hours of releasing a new article. But if free articles are your main marketing technique, you may run into a problem - how to come up with new ideas. Yesterday an interviewer asked me in an email: "How does someone come up with topic ideas? What do you do, for example?"This was my reply: The k. . .

How To Boost Your Affiliate Sales With Free Articles

Free Articles continue to be one of the most effective ways of quickly generating traffic and sales, without paying for advertising. But how can you use free articles to promote an affiliate link? Putting your affiliate link in your Resource Box is not going to work, for a number of reasons: people can easily remove your affiliate ID and just visit the main website of the affiliate program (yo. . .

Eight Tips for Ezine Writers

Have you ever wondered why Ezine Articles have become one of the most effective marketing techniques on the Web? The reason is quite simple. People very rarely go online looking for something to buy. They go online looking for information - free information. They want to be educated, entertained and informed. And the best way to do that is to write free Articles for Newsletters. At the bottom. . .

How To Mind Map Your Business

If you're doing business on the Web, sooner or later you'll probably begin to feel like a juggler trying to keep ten balls flying through the air at the same time. There are just too many elements in your business plan to keep them all going at once. The solution? For many people the solution would be to make a list of all the key elements in their business plan. But lists are linear and the Mi. . .

How To Choose the Right Ezines For Your Ads

Do you feel bewildered when you begin an Ezine Advertising campaign? I do. Take 'The Free Directory of Ezines', for example. There are over 800 Ezines in the Directory that accept paid ads. How do you decide which Ezines to place your ad in? There are several factors that narrow down the choice for me. First, I look at the subscriber numbers. If an Ezine has less than 400 subscribers, I move on. . .

How To Set Up an Ezine Encyclopedia

Do you read all your Ezines? Or do you file them away in special folders and then forget about them? I used to be like that. When I first started subscribing to ezines I was amazed at the quantity of valuable information that was available for free. But I soon became complacent about it. If anything, the 60-odd newsletters I was receiving each month became a burden. I was suffe. . .

How To Win The Affiliate Game

Are you frustrated with your affiliate programs? I used to be. Very frustrated! One day, in sheer desperation, I wrote to one of my affiliate programs and suggested that the market was now saturated with their product - it was no longer possible to sell it. The next day I received a very nice reply. "The Internet is HUGE", they said. "We predict it will be five years before the market is satura. . .

Review: eBook Secrets Exposed

If you want to make a lot of money with your own eBook and you only read one book on the subject in the next 12 months, I strongly recommend that it's 'eBook Secrets Exposed' by Jim Edwards and David Garfinkel. The authors are both well qualified in this area. Jim Edwards has written five best-selling eBooks (including 'The Lazy Man's Guide to Online Business' and '33 Days To Online Success'). . . .

How To Make Your Resource Box Sell

Ezine Articles - they're everywhere! And little wonder. They're one of the fastest ways of building traffic to your website. But what many people overlook is the Resource Box. It's almost as important as your Article. After all, your traffic comes to you through your Resource Box. Writing your Resource Box is an art in itself. You have very little space (5 or 6 lines) and you want to make the m. . .

Read Faster, Read Smarter

The Internet is a new continent where the maps are constantly changing. What was a small stream becomes a roaring river. What was a desert becomes a lush green valley. To keep up with the changing landscape of the Internet you must read. And the best place to read about new developments on the Internet is in Newsletters or Ezines. But you may not be reading efficiently. Did you know that most o. . .

A Guide To Automated Email Marketing

You've probably heard the expression, 'the money is in the list'. It's become a bit of a cliché - but it's the key to successful web marketing. About 95% of visitors will not buy on their first visit to your website - in fact, most of your customers will have to see your message 7 times before they buy. Many people starting out on the Internet believe that their main marketing tool is their web. . .

How To Reverse Engineer Your Success

The best and fastest way to learn how to make money on the Internet is to buy the marketing books of successful web marketers. You can find a selection of marketing books at these sites: http://www.ebooksnbytes.com http://www.freezineweb.com/mktg-books.html http://www.free-ebooks.net/ http://www.ebookdirectory.com/ But there's also another way: study their web sites and reverse engineer the. . .

5 Power Tips To Double Your Sales

"How Can I Double My Sales?" - that must be the silent prayer of thousands of webmasters. There are two ways to do it: you can either double your traffic or you can double your conversion rate. Let's say you have a conversion rate of 2% (1 sale for every 50 visitors) and you get 100 visitors a day - you're getting 2 sales a day. You could get 4 sales a day by increasing your traffic to 200 visi. . .